From The Skin Well® | Drawn from the Happy Skin Leaflet Series
Eczema is often unpredictable—and frustrating. This checklist helps you explore possible flare-up triggers gently and without pressure. Think of it as a way to understand your skin better—not to judge it or yourself.
🧴 SKIN PRODUCTS & HABITS
☐ Switched or added new skin, body or hair products
☐ Used fragranced products, soaps, bubble bath or harsh cleansers
☐ Skipped moisturising (especially after bathing)
☐ Scratching, rubbing, or using rough/itchy fabrics
☐ Wearing tight or non-breathable clothing
What might help:
→ Keep routines gentle and fragrance-free; use an emollient as a soap substitute (NHS, British Association of Dermatologists)
→ Moisturise generously and often (at least twice daily), especially after contact with water (NHS)
→ Keep nails short; use anti-scratch strategies and cooling to reduce itch–scratch cycles (NHS)
🏠 HOME & ENVIRONMENT
☐ Exposure to dust, pets, pollen or mould
☐ Central heating, dry air, or sudden temperature changes / cold weather
☐ New cleaning products, detergents, or scented laundry softeners
☐ Recent change in environment (travel, new home, work setting)
What might help:
→ Use scent-free detergents and gentle cleaners; minimise known irritants (NHS)
→ In very dry indoor air, some people find a clean, well-maintained humidifier helpful—aim for moderate humidity (National Eczema Society)
→ Regular cleaning and dust-reduction can help when dust mites/pets/pollen are triggers (National Eczema Society – Household irritants and eczema)
🍽️ FOOD & DIGESTION
☐ Ate foods you already know link with your flares (if relevant)
☐ Big uptick in ultra-processed, sugary or salty foods lately
☐ Not drinking fluids as usual
What might help:
→ Track possible food links carefully—don’t cut major foods unless directed by a specialist (NHS Inform, RUH NHS Trust – Diet & eczema PDF)
→ Support general nutrition and hydration for overall health. If you’re not drinking enough fluids, increasing hydration may help your skin — but once you’re meeting daily needs, the real game-changer for eczema is moisturising — it’s essential for the skin barrier. (National Eczema Association)
🛏️ SLEEP, STRESS & EMOTIONS
☐ Struggling to sleep due to itching or stress
☐ Flare-up followed a period of emotional tension or anxiety
☐ Feeling unsupported or overwhelmed
What might help:
→ Prioritise wind-down time and soothing rituals; keep cool at night (National Eczema Society – Sleep and eczema)
→ Manage itch with emollients and cooling (e.g., cool packs/cloths) (NHS)
→ Explore stress-management tools such as relaxation, mindfulness, or talking with a trusted person or professional, as stress is a recognised eczema trigger (National Eczema Society)
🩺 HEALTH, IMMUNE & HORMONES
☐ Flare linked to periods, pregnancy, menopause, or illness
☐ Skin infection suspected (rapidly worsening, weeping/crusting, feeling unwell)
☐ Recently started or stopped medications (Read patient information leaflet/check with GP or pharmacist)
What might help:
→ Keep a simple flare diary to spot patterns (hormonal shifts and stress are recognised triggers) (NHS, National Eczema Society)
→ Seek medical advice promptly if infection is suspected (NHS, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside)
Note on vaccines: routine vaccinations aren’t listed by the NHS as typical eczema triggers; some people report short-term changes anecdotally. If you notice a pattern after illness or a jab, record it and discuss with your GP/dermatology team.
💡 REMEMBER
Eczema flare-ups aren’t your fault. They’re your skin asking for support. Small steps—taken consistently—can make a big difference. If your eczema is persistent, painful or worsening, speak to a medical health practitioner.
⚠️ One Final Note: Fire Safety & Fabrics
Emollients (including paraffin-free ones) can transfer to clothes/bedding and build up, making fabric ignite more easily near flames or heat. Keep away from smoking, candles and open fires; change clothing/bedding regularly and wash at high temperature (e.g., 60 °C) to reduce residue (GOV.UK, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service).
The Skin Well®
A grassroots, evidence-aware initiative supporting public skin education.
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Disclaimer
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the information in this leaflet is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice.
Version 1.0, September 2025
© 2025 Jacqui de Jager | The Skin Well® & The Happy Skin Clinic®
All rights reserved. This leaflet is for personal use and education only. It may not be reproduced, distributed, or adapted without written permission.